CALGARY, AB, February 4, 2019- The Special Olympics Flame of Hope will light the way to the 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games in Calgary.
On February 7 and 8, the Alberta Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) will continue the Torch Run Final Leg making stops at local high schools in Calgary, Airdrie, and Cochrane to build excitement and awareness for the Provincial Games.
“We are very excited to have been selected as a stop on the Final Leg,” said Ian Ferguson, physical education teacher and unified coach at Bert Church High School. “It’s a great opportunity for our school to celebrate the great work of Special Olympics Alberta and the LETR, as well as to recognize our students who are completing in the winter games and the accomplishments of our school Unified team.”
“It’s a chance for our Unified team to be recognized for their work and their accomplishments, and for Bert Church to celebrate all we do to be inclusive, which is one of our school values.”
Unified Sports is delivered in partnership with Alberta Schools Athletic Association (ASAA).
The Torch Run Final Leg is not only a salute to the incredible athletes competing at the Provincial Games, but it is also an honour for the participating law enforcement officers, or Guardians of the Flame, who comprise the Torch Run Final Leg team. The Special Olympics Flame of Hope, in the entrusted care of the law enforcement community, symbolizes the courage and celebration of inclusion that the Special Olympics movement represents.
Leading the Flame of Hope into the ceremonies will be two Special Olympics Alberta athletes and Calgary Police Service Constable Cindy Klassen, a torch run volunteer and a six-time Olympic medalist. A team of 65 LETR officers will help deliver the torch to the cauldron at Winsport.
From February 8 to 10 over 700 athletes from 64 communities across Alberta, along with N.W.T. and Saskatchewan will come together for the largest sport event for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the province.
Athletes will compete in 7 winter sports: 5-pin bowling, alpine skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating
“Our Opening Ceremony is on February 8that 7:00 at Winsport is open to all so come out and cheer on our athletes,” said Karen Saunders, Games Organizing Committee co-chair.
Special Olympics Alberta Torch Run Final Leg Schedule
Calgary February 7 at 9:30 a.m. at Father Scollen Jr. High School
Calgary February 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Bishop McNally High School
Airdrie February 7 at 1:00 p.m. at Bert Church High School
Airdrie February 7 at 1:45 p.m. at St. Martin de Porres High School
Cochrane February 8 at 11:30 a.m. at Cochrane High School
Calgary February 8 at 1:15 p.m. at Lord Beaverbrook High School
Calgary February 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Winsport for the Opening Ceremonies
Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Alberta
Internationally the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics is the largest grassroots fundraiser and awareness vehicle for Special Olympics. More than 85,000 law enforcement officers from 10 Canadian provinces and 3 territories, the 50 United States, and 46 countries internationally form the largest grass roots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Last year in Alberta, over $627,000 was raised across the province, benefiting local programs. For more information on the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Alberta, please visit www.albertatorchrun.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter @Alberta_LETR and Instagram @albertatorchrun.
2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games
The 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games will celebrate strength, sport and spirit. Over 1,000 athletes, coaches and mission staff representing over 64 Alberta communities, Saskatchewan, and N.W.T. will compete in Calgary from February 8 to 10, 2019. The Provincial Games will feature 7 sport competitions: 5-pin bowling, alpine skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating in venues throughout Calgary. Opening ceremony will be held on February 8 at Winsport Arena, 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, with over 2,000 expected fans.
For more information on the 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games, visit www.specialolympicsalbertawinter2019.com. Follow the journey of athletes and the host town on social media with #Calgary2019 on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
Special Olympics Alberta
Special Olympics Alberta is dedicated to enriching the lives of Albertans with intellectual disabilities through the transformative power and joy of sport. Our vision is that sport will open hearts and minds towards people with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities.
Special Olympics Alberta’s programs cater to all ages and a wide range of abilities to over 3,200 athletes in more than 150 communities. We provide world class sports programs that are run daily by over 1,200 volunteers. For more information on Special Olympics Alberta, visit, www.specialolympics.ca/albertaand follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, and YouTube.
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Media Contact
Sgt. Katrina O’Reilly
Calgary Police Service
C: 403-801-7222
Katrina.oreilly@gov.ab.ca
Kiefer Sutherland
Marketing and Communications
Special Olympics Alberta
P: 780-422-5505
C: 780-446-3956
ksutherland@specialolympics.ab.ca